Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys
We Represent Injured Bicyclists in Sacramento County
Bicycles are not only fun, they are also a great form of exercise and cost-effective mode of transportation. However, because bicyclists have very little protection, they may suffer serious injuries in an accident even when wearing a helmet, such as broken bones, brain injuries, scars and disfigurement, neck and back injuries, or even death.
At Piering Law Firm, our Sacramento bicycle accident lawyers are aggressive advocates for bicyclists who have been injured or killed due to driver negligence, product defects and dangerous roads. Our lawyers Robert Allen Piering, John Beals, and Sukhtej Atwal have more than 50 years of combined legal experience.
As avid bicyclists, we are intimately familiar with the issues affecting bikers. We will be there for you when it matters most. Our attorneys handle bike accident claims on a contingent fee basis, which means you only pay us when we successfully resolve your case.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
Bicycle accidents are a devastating yet surprisingly common occurrence in the United States. According to data from the United States Department of Transportation:
- Bicyclists make up roughly 2 percent of all annual motor vehicle crash deaths. A total of 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic collisions in the United States in 2018 alone.
- Deaths among bicyclists age 20 and older have tripled since 1975, while child bicycle deaths have seen a decline over the years.
- 61% of bicyclists killed in 2018 were not wearing helmets.
- 79% of bicycle deaths occurred in urban areas in 2018.
- 37% of bicyclist deaths in 2018 occurred at intersections
Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents occur for many reasons, with the most common being dangerous road conditions such as potholes, debris and maintenance problems. Careless or reckless motorists may cause bicycle accidents by opening car doors in a bicyclist's path, turning into bicyclists at intersections or by not taking proper safety precautions around bicyclists. Defective products such as bike frames and handlebars also lead to a number of serious accidents.
Regardless of who caused your injury or loved one's death, our attorneys will work hard to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We will take the time to understand how your injuries have affected your quality of life and pursue compensation that reflects that loss. We will explore all potential avenues of recovery, from your auto insurance and uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage to the driver's auto insurance, to ensure you get maximum compensation.
To schedule a free consultation — on the weekend or in your home, when necessary — with one of our experienced Sacramento bicycle accident attorneys, call (916) 476-2399 or contact us online. Se habla español.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in California
Whether you are an avid cyclist or new to the scene, you probably already know what to do to increase your safety and prevent a traffic accident. However, you can only control what you do. The other half of the equation is the motorist, who can hit you despite all the safety precautions you have taken.
Do you know what to do in this situation? The good news is that the steps to take after a bicycle accident are similar to the ones you would take if you were a motorist, too, so you may already be prepared.
1. Report the Accident
The first thing to do is call the police, whether or not you have been severely hurt. Making a report can help your case when you pursue financial compensation from the insurance companies. However, do not admit fault to any degree or apologize for anything you did, even if you were partially responsible.
2. Collect Information
At the accident scene, obtain the following information from the driver and give yours as well:
- Name and number
- License plate number
- Insurance policy
Also, note the vehicle make, model and color. Take photos of the accident with your phone and talk to any witnesses for additional information. For serious incidents, an attorney can use professional resources to further investigate.
3. Get Medical Attention
You will know when you have an emergency medical situation. However, other injuries may not be as obvious. For example, you may suffer a concussion or other traumatic brain injury without realizing it until days later. For this reason, it is wise to seek a medical evaluation as soon as you can. It not only will improve your chances of a full and quick recovery, but also link the accident to your injuries and determine the extent of the damage. This information is necessary for your legal case so you can receive the right amount of awards to cover medical bills, lost wages and any permanent life changes.
Settlements & Verdicts
Piering Law Firm Has Achieved Notable Results in a Wide Range of Cases-
$5,000,000
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death judgment secured for a child who lost his mother as a result of domestic violence.
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$4,893,830
Wrongful Death
Complex wrongful death motorcycle accident involving product liability claims against both helmet and motorcycle luggage manufacturers.
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$3,609,600
Knee Amputation
Motorcycle vs. automobile collision resulting in below knee amputation. Client was riding motorcycle and defendant pulled out in front of him, resulting in a severe injury to client's leg, which ultimately led to the amputation of his leg, just below the knee.
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$2,500,000
Serious Injuires
Case involving serious injuries to a motorcycle rider who was involved in an accident with a shuttle bus on the freeway in San Francisco.
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$2,000,000
Against Bar/Security Company
34-year-old software sales associate out with friends drinking at a bar in San Francisco. After a few hours, he leaves the bar to go home and gets in an argument outside of the club with a security guard.
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$2,000,000
Wrongful Death
A settlement in a wrongful death action as a result of a crash that took the life of a motorcyclist.
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$2,000,000
Trucking Accident
Recovery for the victim of a rear-end traffic collision with a big rig that resulted in a neck injury.
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$1,700,000
Trucking Accident
Verdict received after trial for the victim of a rear-end traffic collision involving a commercial trucking company.
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$1,300,000
Head-On Collision
A policy limit settlement involving a head-on collision on a notoriously dangerous stretch of highway between State Highway 99 in Sacramento and Marysville, commonly known as "blood alley".
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$1,250,000
Pedestrian Wrongful Death
The defendant's primary limits of $250,000 were tendered in response to a conditional limit demand that required disclosure of all other coverages. The defendant had an excess policy of $1,000,000.00 which was tendered along with the primary limits.
Hear It From Our Clients
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“I would highly recommend John Beal and Piering Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice and representation.”
- Eric C.
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“I am very much pleased with our results and it was worth working with this amazing group of individuals.”
- Angelique Y.
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“
John listened to me, gave great advice, put together a plan then followed through.
”- Joey S.